Suit Accuses EPA of Ignoring Harmful Pesticides

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Arguments are expected Friday in a lawsuit alleging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has allowed the use of hundreds of pesticides despite evidence of harmful effects on more than 200 endangered and threatened species.

The Center for Biological Diversity and Pesticide Action Network North America claim the EPA has allowed pesticide use without required consultations with federal agencies to study the impacts.

The groups want the EPA to insure harmful chemicals aren't sprayed in the habitats' of species that include Florida panthers, California condors, piping plovers and Alabama sturgeon.

Magistrate Judge Joseph Spero is scheduled to hear arguments focusing on motions filed by the EPA and the pesticide industry to dismiss the 2011 lawsuit.

"For decades, the EPA has turned a blind eye to the disastrous effects pesticides have on some of America's rarest species," Jeff Miller, a conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement.